ONCB Cracks Down on Illegal Kratom Factories, Warns of Jail Term

Picture courtesy of Naewna

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has intensified a nationwide crackdown on illegal kratom drink factories, warning that mixing kratom with medicines is a serious offence punishable by imprisonment. Authorities said the move aims to curb the spread of so-called “four by one hundred” drinks and prevent long-term harm to young people’s brains and nervous systems. Officials stressed that unregulated production sites pose both legal and public health risks.

The warning was issued on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, by Ms Areepak Ngernbumrung, Deputy Secretary-General of the ONCB and spokesperson for the agency. She said the ONCB has upgraded preventive and suppression measures, focusing on the dangers of kratom leaves and boiled kratom drinks that are illegally mixed with cough syrup or chemicals. The policy targets both clandestine production facilities and gathering places that could draw young people into drug-related behaviour.

The announcement followed a recent operation by ONCB Region 6 and partner agencies, who raided an illegal kratom drink production site in Phitsanulok province. The site was operating as a small-scale factory, secretly producing bottled kratom drinks mixed with cough medicine containing diphenyl, commonly known as “four by one hundred”. Authorities said the products were being sold to children and teenagers in significant numbers.

ONCB Secretary-General Pol Lt Col Suriya Singkhomol expressed concern and ordered urgent public awareness campaigns, particularly aimed at youth. Officials warned that such illegal drinks can cause intoxication, damage the nervous system and brain, and carry risks of shock, loss of consciousness, or death. They added that this behaviour can act as a gateway to more dangerous drugs in the future.

The ONCB highlighted that selling kratom products to people under 18 violates the Kratom Plant Act. Mixing kratom with medicines or chemicals also constitutes serious offences under the Drug Act and the Food Act. Authorities cautioned that these illegal outlets could become youth hangouts linked to violence, crime, and progression to harder drugs such as methamphetamine or crystal meth.

Naewna reported that enforcement against shops that boil, mix and sell kratom drinks falls under the authority of local police and public health officials, who can arrest offenders immediately. Penalties include up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 10,000 baht under the Drug Act and six months to two years’ imprisonment with fines of 5,000 to 20,000 baht under the Food Act. The ONCB urged the public to report suspected illegal factories or youth gathering spots via the 1386 hotline, available 24 hours a day.

Key Takeaways

• The ONCB has stepped up enforcement against illegal kratom drink factories nationwide.

• Mixing kratom with cough syrup or chemicals is illegal and punishable by prison terms.

• Authorities warn such practices endanger youth and may lead to more serious drug abuse.

Related Stories

CIB-FDA-bust-4×100-drug-rings-seize-13m-pills

Raid-uncovers-illegal-cough-syrup-operation-linked-to-‘4x100’-kratom-mix

 Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna.2025-12-18